Davenport, IA
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Civil Rights Commission endorses legalization of same-sex marriage

Rod Boshart

Aug 19, 2009

DES MOINES - A state civil rights panel is preparing to endorse
a court decision legalizing gay marriage, but says other issues
remain unresolved and Iowans need to re-dedicate efforts to end
discrimination for all Iowans.

The six-member Iowa Civil Rights Commission will meet Thursday to
consider a proposed updated policy position on marriage equality
that supports the unanimous Iowa Supreme Court ruling and opposes
efforts to pass a constitutional amendment to overturn the April
decision, executive director Ralph Rosenberg said.

He said the panel was previously on record in opposition to a
constitutional amendment defining marriage as only between one man
and one woman. While supporting equal rights for all persons and
couples, the commission recognized a religious exemption in regard
to same-sex marriage.

The state civil rights panel last addressed marriage equality in a
December 2008 resolution that encouraged all local human rights
commissions to foster nonbiased discussions on the subject.

"This would be their new position in light of the Iowa Supreme
Court case, if it passes," Rosenberg said. "I think it will pass. I
think there are at least four votes."

Several commissioners have been outspoken in their support on the
issues of marriage equality and extending civil rights to the gay,
bisexual, lesbian and transgender community, he said, and view the
proposed constitutional amendment as an effort to write
discrimination into Iowa's constitution.

Rosenberg said the commission considers the marriage equality issue
as "settled law" in light of the Supreme Court ruling and believes
the focus should shift to unresolved civil rights issues such
making sure buildings in Iowa comply with federal ADA guidelines
and ending discrimination in housing and employment based on race,
national origin, sexual orientation or other factors.

The commission has initiated an online survey regarding
discrimination in housing and scheduled fair housing forums in
Marshalltown, Storm Lake, Perry and Urbandale to discuss the issue
in areas with diverse demographics or growing suburban
populations.

Results of the commission's findings should be published in
September, he added.